Effects of Self‐esteem on Leniency Bias in Self‐reports of Performance: A Structural Equation Model Analysis

This study used structural equation model analysis to examine the relationship between self‐esteem and leniency bias in self‐reports of performance. The results showed that consistent with the prediction of consistency theory (e.g., Korman, 1970), leniency bias was positively correlated with self‐esteem. The results also suggest that the relationship between self‐esteem and leniency bias was more positive when self‐ratings were made on ambiguous performance dimensions rather than on less ambiguous dimensions. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.